Dr. Reddy's Molflu will be available in the market from next week

Indian pharmaceutical company Dr. Reddy's Laboratories is going to launch a new drug for COVID-19. The name of this antiviral capsule is Molnupiravir. Its cost will be equal to the price of Mankind Pharma's capsules. Dr. Reddy's will launch the capsules under its brand name Molflu. Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said last week that a total of 13 companies in India would make Molnupiravir.

According to Dr Reddy's – Molflu will cost Rs 35 per capsule. One strip will contain 10 capsules. The patient has to take 40 capsules in 5 days. In this case, the cost of the entire course will be Rs 1,400. It is one of the most affordable treatment options available for Covid-19 patients. Molflu will be manufactured at a USFDA-approved facility.

Dr Reddy's said Molflu is expected to be available in pharmacies across the country by early next week. Earlier this year, Dr Reddy's entered into a non-exclusive voluntary licensing agreement with Merck Sharp Dohme to manufacture and supply mollupiravir in India and over 100 middle-income countries.

Apart from Dr Reddy's, this drug is being manufactured by 13 Indian pharmaceutical companies including Mankind Pharma, Torrent Pharma, Cipla, Sun Pharma, Natco, Mylan and Hetero. According to the Economic Times report, Mankind Pharma's antiviral capsule Molulife will also cost Rs 35. Molnupiravir has been approved for use in the treatment of mild to moderate patients with COVID-19.